Is the Hokey Pokey really what it's all about? Or is there something more? Difficult life circumstances help us to cast off the distractions and see what is really important. This blog is an attempt to share what I'm learning about life as a 45-year old pastor and teacher in a battle with Ewing's sarcoma.

My Wife and I

So Happy Together

Note to Readers

Thank you for taking time to visit this blog! My purpose in doing this is to be an encouragement to others who are facing difficult circumstances in life and to remind them that there is hope!

For those who are reading this blog for the first time, I recommend going back and starting at the beginning. It is a bit of an inconvenience, but it will all make more sense if you read about where I've been before you read about where I am now.

I do not feel the need to post every day, but have the goal of three to four posts per week. Most of my entries relate to what I am learning in my daily Bible reading - that is where I find my wisdom, comfort, and my strength. Some of my entries might be described as "much ado about nothing." Sometimes I preach, but try to do so minimally, and only when prompted by the Holy Spirit.

The settings have been adjusted so that all readers, not just those with Google accounts, can leave comments. Please feel free to do so. If you desire a response, please leave your e-mail address. It does not appear automatically. I look forward to hearing from you.

About Me

Until the end of September 2008, I taught science, geography, and senior social studies at a small Christian school in Pennsylvania. In addition, I served as an assistant pastor at the church which sponsors the school. I have been married to my best friend for 21 years; we have three children, ages 18, 14, and 5.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

A Wing (or Two) and a Prayer - And a Bottle of Antacid

It is 4p. My friend Rachel left a little while ago. We had a nice visit - catching up after 25 years.

After she left, I finished eating a piece of pizza and some wings. Of course, that was chased with a handful of antacids.

My son and daughter left to drive over to our home to pick up a few items.

Did I mention the new van? Keri's aunt and uncle gave us a "new" (1998) Town and Country van. It will be very useful now that our son is home and will need to get around.

It is a relatively quiet evening. My wife is sitting here beside me, writing thank you notes to the many people who have given so much. I have been trying to retrieve some pictures from the digital camera, but have had little success.

My younger son just climbed up on the bed, with his mom's help, to snuggle with me. So, I am going to put down this piece of electronic-fortified plastic and spend some time with him . . .

It is now almost 8:30. My younger son is sleeping. My older son and daughter have returned with "stuff" from home. Rod has returned from evening church. My wife and son have tortured/cleaned me up. I have read several more encouraging e-mails. We enjoyed cheesecake from Junior's (in NYC) courtesy of Rachel. Thank you, Rachel, for the wonderful treat!

Now, I am stopping again to quiz my beautiful daughter to review for her science exam . . .

It is now about 10 p. I am exhausted. My wife is still working on thank-you notes. I am praying that I will have more energy tomorrow. There is still much that I would like to do.

Nights like this, I wonder if I will wake up the next morning. I am not being pessimistic, simply realistic. I know that my time - each minute, each hour, each day, is in His hands. I will open my eyes either in the presence of my Savior or to see the smiling face of my wife.

7 comments:

Anonymous
said...

I just wanted to tell you what a blessing you are to so many believers who you don't know. Building the faith of many. Some who know Christ but also many who don't.These words seem to be so unworthy to exspress how God is useing you.I am praying for you and your family.Thank You for all you are doing.You and your family are an awesome servants of God!In Christ,Lorijimlori1@ptd.net

My name is Kelly Kusik. I am a 22 year old young lady who also is battling Ewing's Sarcoma. A friend from Maranatha (where I graduated from) told me about your blog.This morning I woke up feeling so sick and discouraged, I decided to check out your blog. This last entry encouraged my heart. You're right our lives are in His hands. I don't need to fear.Thanks,in Christ,Kelly Kusikkmkusik@uwm.edu

Wow what a beautiful place! Glad the move went smooth; if anything were ever to happen to me or my family; I would pray to have friends and the support that you have! Thanks again for all the pictures and letting us "strangers" join in on this journey. It has made me think really hard, pray differently and I hope live better! From now on when things are great, I will be thankful and not want more; when things are bad I will ask God for help and trust in him! Which I always knew but not maybe always lived; I am trying to change that now!

My Dad goes for a triple bypass on Friday at CMC; so I am really using what I have been learning to get me through this week and for sure will keep you in mind on Friday at the hospital! One thing I did learn long ago when an Uncle passed is to say how you feel when people are with you and tell them often how you feel; so that I part I did get early on and have lived that everyday---so I know my Dad knows already how much I love him!

All the trust you have with all you and your family are going through, has made me really think about how I am living and to want to live better and to show my kids better than what I have in the past; until reading your blog!

Hi PA Bonds ...I am your brother Bob's neighbor and he linked me to your blog a few weeks ago. You are a beautiful writer and your words express your faith and love in such a tangible way--such an awesome testimony of God in your life! You touch so many people every day and encourage us all in our own walks...thank you!

I was listening to my David Crowder faves this morning (I saw you were a fan too :) and "No One Like You" made me think of you... "Everywhere You are thereEarth or air surroundingI'm not alone, the heavens sing alongMy God You're so astoundingHow could You be so good to meEternally I believe thatThere is no one like YouThere has never ever been anyone like You"

as did "Open Skies"..."Praise Him under open skiesEverything breathing praising GodIn the company of all who love the KingI will dance, I will singIt could be heavenlyTurn the music loud, lift my voice and shoutFrom where I amFrom where I've beenHe's been there with meHe's built a monumentHis very peopleSo let his peopleSing, sing, sing

And it's so wonderfulJust to be here now."

You are a gifted encourager! I pray for your continued strength and that of your family's as well. May God Bless you all!

I dont think I can put my thoughts into words any better than those that have already left you a message here but I will add a simple "you have definitely touched the hearts of those who don't even know you". You are truly an inspiration for all who read your blog. Know you have many cyber friends who think of you often and pray for you and your family. Michele

I’m glad you people have the enthusiasm to passionately comment on this page. My mom is really getting into my nerves so I can’t be as passionate as you people are. Maybe I should ask her to attend a family blessings seminar with me.